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[Podcast] Media Minds: Kokuyo Camlin CMO Saumitra Prasad on leveraging technology and social media
MUMBAI: It’s a brand that much of Gen X, Gen Y and even Gen Z has grown up with. As one of the oldest and most popular stationery brands in India, Camlin has been a mass favourite. Since 2011, Camlin has been a part of Japan’s Kokuyo which enabled it to diversify its existing product range and delve into premium products too.
In the latest episode of Media Minds, Kokuyo Camlin CMO Saumitra Prasad talks about the brand journey after the ownership change and how technology is helping it stay relevant.
Speaking about its current digital-first marketing approach, Prasad says, “Initially, it was to check whether technology is a threat to us because we realise that children today are spending a lot of time on tablets and apps as compared to making paintings. We started by developing an app called Camlin Experience App, which would give children the experience of (using) the real colours and what we realised that, over time, children developed an interest in real colours.”
Social media engagement is also a high priority to get a pulse of the new generation. He is proud of the engagement that the brand is getting on these platforms. He shares that like its offline property Camlin Art Contests, it runs many competitions on Facebook as well which receives great response from kids.
He also talks about how the brand has been investing in research and development to create product differentiations based on specific needs and likings of users.
Listen to the complete interaction here:
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
